Pre-arrival Information

This information is for international students travelling to ATU Galway-Mayo in September 2022 to begin their studies.

This webpage will be updated regularly as further information becomes available.

Non- EU students should contact the International Office at international.galway@atu.ie  if they require further information or guidance. Erasmus students should email erasmus.galway@atu.ie for queries.

When should I arrive?

Students should be on campus and ready to start their academic studies when teaching begins. 

 All COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland have ended. Travellers to Ireland are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test, or proof of recovery, upon arrival. You also do not have to complete a Passenger Locator Form for your arrival in Ireland. Please note that if you are transiting through other countries en route to Ireland/ getting connecting flights, you will need to check what travel protocols are in place for each country you travel to or transit through, as it will vary for each country.

B.Y.O.D (Bring Your Own Device ie. laptop/device)

Please note ATU operates a B.Y.O.D policy (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE), so you will need to bring your own laptop/device with you when departing or purchase one when you arrive in Ireland. This is a requirement as some programmes may have some online learning and students may be required to attend some online classes/lectures. Every programme at ATU also requires a significant amount of independent learning, outside standard class times which requires access to a laptop. Students will also need to complete some of their induction/orientation online. You will not be able to complete your programme without one.

When will teaching begin? 

19th September 2022: Teaching begins for all Continuing or Advanced Entry Students.

26th September 2022: Teaching begins for all first-year students (please note that induction/orientation will be held on 22nd & 23rd September, some components will be held online and some on campus).

Postgraduate programmes may start on different dates, depending on the department. Most postgraduate programmes will start on 12th September, however students should contact their department directly, or the International Office, to confirm the start date of their postgraduate programme.

**An online pre-arrival briefing session was held on Wednesday 24th August 2022 for all new international students arriving in Ireland. Another online pre-arrival briefing session for new international students will be held on Wednesday 7th September 2022. Please note you are not required to attend both sessions, however the second session may include some updates and both sessions will include a Q&A session. Email invitations will issue closer to the time..**

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I TRAVEL TO IRELAND?

There are important tasks for all international students that must be completed before you travel to Ireland.

You must have suitable accommodation secured for when you arrive in Ireland. Information about accommodation options is available online from ATU’s Students’ Union on their accommodation portal, if you have not yet booked.

You must pre-book a single bus ticket to take you from the airport to Galway or Mayo. You will need to check your expected arrival time at the airport and then book your bus ticket online. We advise to book your transportation as early as possible. Some options include:

• City Link: https://www.citylink.ie/
• Go Bus: https://gobus.ie/
• Air Coach: https://www.aircoach.ie/

You will need to pack all important documents in your hand luggage before departing from your home country (see section below for more information).

 If you are getting any connecting flights en route to Ireland, please check what Covid travel protocols/vaccination requirements are in place for those countries. 

PREPARE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION

You will need important documents for Border/Immigration Control at the Airport.

We recommend that students pack the following documents in their hand luggage:

• Passport
• Visa or Irish Residence Permit (if applicable)
• Offer Letter from ATU
• Receipt of Tuition Fees Payment
• Proof of Accommodation
• Medical / Health Insurance
• Face Masks / Hand Sanitiser (optional)
• Proof of Vaccination (if transiting through a country where it’s required)
• Proof of Negative PCR Test (if transiting through a country where it’s required)

AT THE AIRPORT

Airports across Europe have been disrupted since early 2022 and are operating at full capacity. Therefore, you will need to be patient and expect some delays at any airports you are transiting through, or upon arrival at Dublin Airport. There is also a strong possibility of delayed flights/missing luggage. With this in mind, we recommend you bring a small bag onboard your flight with some essential materials/clothes and all-important documents, in case your checked in luggage doesn’t arrive on time.

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport there are two queues at immigration control. One is for EU Passport Holders and the other is for Non-EU Passport Holders. Please ensure you have all your important documents ready for presentation to the immigration officer (as listed below), to avoid further delays at border control.

Once you pass through immigration you will arrive in the baggage hall. The screens overhead will indicate which belt the bags from your flight are to be delivered too. It can sometimes take between 1-1.5 hours for bags to arrive at the belt.

After you clear immigration and collect your bags, then you can head outside of the terminal to take a bus to Galway. Most buses will depart either from outside Terminal 1, or from the coach park at Zone 16 or Zone 13. Please check the bus provider for the exact departure location within Dublin Airport.  

ARRIVAL IN GALWAY

When you arrive at Galway Coach station, you can book a taxi to drop you to your accommodation if required (please note you will need to cover the cost of this yourself, ATU will not cover such expenses). Some local taxi companies include:

• Big O Taxis (http://www.bigotaxis.com/): 00353 91 585 858 
• Galway Taxis (https://www.galwaytaxis.ie/): 00353 1800561111 or 00353 91 561111 
• Pro Cabs (https://www.procabs.ie/): 00353 91 535353 or 00353 91 56 59 00

FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE

You must follow all public health guidance to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Further information to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 is available online here.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS WHILST IN IRELAND

If you have any common symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), you SHOULD NOT ATTEND CAMPUS.

You should self-isolate, take an antigen test  and also contact the ATU Student Health Unit (contact details below) straight away and the Institute Nurse will advise the next course of action.

Student Health Unit: studenthealthunit.galwaymayo@atu.ie or telephone: 091 742228 / 087 9971574 (Emergency Mobile Number)

University Hospital Galway Emergency Department (091) 544556 (for use outside normal college hours).

Additionally, you must notify ATU immediately by emailing covidofficer@gmit.ie or phoning 091 742708 if you have taken an antigen test and received a positive test outcome for COVID-19 and you are required to self-isolate.

Please note that Covid-19 restrictions are subject to change.

SIM CARDS – USING YOUR SMART PHONE IN IRELAND

You can choose to purchase a new phone when you arrive in Ireland, or you can use your existing phone with an Irish Sim Card. In this scenario you need to ensure your phone is unlocked before you leave your home country.

There are several mobile network providers in Ireland. They offer a range of different options and price plans. The main providers include 3 Mobile, Lyca Mobile, Eir, Tesco Mobile, GoMo,48 and Vodafone.

Vodafone Sim Cards will be available for all new international students once you arrive at ATU Galway-Mayo. They can be collected from the International Office from the 7th September 2022. 

IMPORTANT LINKS AND RESOURCES

Covid-19 Travel Advice (Irish Government)
Public Health Guidance (Health Service Executive)